Husker Patriot Nebraska Society Sons of the American Revolution HUSKER PATRIOT Issue 15 Organized 26 April 1890 Nebraska SAR Society Spring Meeting Held April 27, 2014 2nd Qtr 2014 Husker Patriot Publisher William Webb webb.w@q.com Editor Robert L. Knott, Jr. chiefknott@aol.com Webmaster Shawn K. Stoner http://nebrsar.wordpress.com/ Inside this issue: The Presidents Corner 1 Awards 2 Awards & Program 3 Meet My patriot 4 Members Corner 4 Omaha Program 5 American Heritage Dinner6 American Heritage Dinner7 ROTC & JROTC Awards and Recognition 8 Other Activities 8 President s Corner: It is a privilege for me to be called again to serve as your State President. Our Nebraska Society SAR is one that is committed to building upon successful programs, many of which are illustrated in the Husker Patriot each calendar quarter. With your active participation, these programs will continue to grow and expand. However, program success and administrative excellence doesn t just hap- Infamous The story about Clinton Miller s Honor Flight and the medal he received from the South Koreans will be included in the 3rd Qtr Newsletter. pen by itself. It requires a willingness to act in the interest of the SAR, from top to bottom throughout the organization. We have elected capable officers and assigned committee chairmen who are ready to work with you as new assignments emerge. I think specifically about statewide ROTC, JrROTC, Eagle Scout, Flag Certificate, and any community based events that surround a patriotic holiday, such as Memorial Day, July 4th Celebrations, and Veteran s.day. In addition, you may already know members of other patriotic organizations like the DAR, SUV, and American Cont d on Page 5 Dr. James Hoke, Lincoln Chapter President acting as the Master of Ceremonies during the American Heritage Dinner held in Lincoln, Nebraska. SAR APPLICATIONS Please mail all new member and supplemental application to our NE SAR State Secretary: Compatriot Dr. David K. Kentsmith, M.D. 16902 S. HWY 50 Springfield, NE 68059-4827 If you need to contact Compatriot Kentsmith, he may be reached by phone at 402-253- 2577 or by email at: K-NESAR@Q.COM Brown Bess North meets the South at the American Heritage dinner. An agreement was made that the feud was over.
PAGE 2 HUSKER PATRIOT ISSUE 15 NESSAR Spring Meeting was Held April 27, 2014 The meeting was called to order by President Fred Walden at 2:00 pm. A quorum was certified by the Secretary. After the Pledge of Allegiance and Pledge to the SAR there was the Invocation by Compatriot Rev. Dr. James Hoke. The Secretary announced all the State officers and members of the Board of Counselors were present except past State President John Parsons. The President then introduced the Past Nebraska SAR Presidents. After the introduction of members and guests we had the presentation of awards. President Walden had the honor to present some special awards to deserving individuals: He assisted Merle Rudebusch, the Eagle Scout Committee Chairman in presenting the Eagle Scout Award. He also assisted Bob Chandler in presenting the Flag Certificate to LaVerne Stetson. The President then called for the Officers Reports. Dr. David Kentsmith gave the Secretary s report; Vice President John Reinert gave the status of the Audit Report; Treasurer William Webb gave the financial status of the State Society; Deputy Registrar Robert Knott gave the report on new applications and supplementals; John Reinert gave the Report on the Board of Counsellors. Shawn Stoner gave the report on the Awards presented as well as upcoming ROTC/JROTC awards to be presented. State Treasurer William Webb gave the financial status of the State Society. Lincoln Chapter President Dr. James Hoke and past State President Robert Knott, State Officer Nominating Committee gave their report which was passed by unanimous consent. John Reinert was installed as State President by outgoing President Fred Walden. The new State President Reinert then installed the State Officers and Members of the Board of Counselors. NEBRASKA SOCIETY AWARDS PRESENTED DURING SPRING MEETING AT MAHONEY STATE PARK Eagle Scout Matthew Pauling of near Scribner, Nebraska son of Kenneth and Stacey Pauling received the Nebraska SAR Society s 2014 Essay Award at the Spring State Meeting held at Mahoney State Park Lodge 27 April 2014. Matthew is pictured with Eagle Scout Award Chairperson Merle Rudebusch and State President Fred Walden. Matthew was selected to receive the $500 Scholarship Award because he was strong in all four parts of the application. He is a member of Boy Scout Troop 164, of the Mid America Council, sponsored by Redeemer Lutheran Church in Hooper. He has served in many leadership rolls in the troop as well as serving on the summer camp staff as a counselor at Camp Cedars for two summers. His essay was on the America s Frontier Rifleman. The EMT Award went to Greg Gobel of the Nebraska City Vol. Fire Department. Greg was not able to be at the ceremony, however, his wife and family was there to accept the medal and Certificate for him. Shown with his family are State President Fred Walden and Lincoln Chapter President Dr. James Hoke. Incoming S t a t e President J o h n R e i n e r t was pres e n t e d the State D i s t i n - g u i s h e d S e r v i c e Medal by President Fred Walden. John was Lincoln Chapter Vice President 4 years; Lincoln Chapter President 4 years; State Society Vice President 4 years; State Society President 2 years; State Society Outgoing State President Fred Walden was presented the State Distinguished Service Medal by State President John Reinert. Fred had served three years as the President of the Omaha Chapter, two years as the Omaha Chapter Secretary, two years as the President of the Nebraska State Society, Chairman of the State Audit Committee, Chairman of the Nebraska Society State Medal Committee, Chairman of the Nominating Committee of the Omaha Chapter, Vice President General of the North Central Region and member of the Nebraska Society Constitution and By-laws Committee. His service and dedication shown warrant his receiving the State s highest award. Fred was also awarded the Past State Presidents pin and Certificate. -- Secretary/Treasurer 6 years. John was also the Newsletter Editor from 1997 to 2001. John s work and dedication from 1984 to the present has gone above and beyond for the benefit of our Society always achieving outstanding results. 2
ISSUE 15 AMERICAN HERITAGE DINNER February 22, the Lincoln Chapter of the NESSAR hosted their second annual American Heritage Dinner. The event was designed to foster education and camaraderie between the many patriotic organizations in Nebraska that have a common goal of remembrance and honoring our patriotic ancestors and their contributions to the United States. The dinner is held on the weekend closest to President George Washington s birthday, as a way of honoring and remembering him and the sacrifices of all our Patriot Ancestors. Lincoln Chapter President James Hoke was Master of Ceremonies. Joining the Lincoln Chapter were members of the Omaha Chapter, and NESSAR President Fred Walden. Other participating patriotic organizations included: DAR, CAR, Sons of the Union Veterans of the Civil War, Daughters of the Union Veterans of the Civil War, Sons of the Confederate Veterans of the Civil War, Mayflower Society, Huguenot Society, Order of Founders and Patriots of America, Society of the War of 1812, Founders of North America 1492-1692, American Legion and VFW. Several of the organizations had displays telling about their group. A display of Civil War era memorabilia including authentic guns were on exhibit. Special guests included SAR member and former NE State Senator LeRoy Louden of Alliance, NE, Secretary of State, John Gail, and speaker Greg Holloway. The highlight of the evening was a portrayal of Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross by Mary Bede, a former Lincoln, NE schoolteacher and re-enactor. It was a fun filled and entertaining evening enjoyed by all. - On Tuesday, April 8, 2014 the Omaha Chapter of the SAR had the pleasure of having Ed Nolte, retired Air Force Colonel present an excellent program on the Flags of the United States. He is a national officer in National Sojourners, an Cont d to Col 2: HUSKER PATRIOT LaVerne Stetson is shown receiving the State Flag Certificate at the Nebraska Society s Spring Meeting in the Lodge at Mahoney State Park by State Flag Chairman Bob Chandler and State President Fred Walden. Shawn Stoner was awarded the Roger Sherman Medal by Lincoln Chapter President Dr. James Hoke for his service as Chapter Vice-President, web manager and his support to other Chapter, State and National committees. Cont d from Col 1: or ganization composed of Masons who are active or retired officers or senior NCOS. He is past National Commander of the Heros of '76, a part of the National Sojourners. The uniform he wore was a Heros uniform, patterned after the Continental Army. -- To be an American and to have come out of this great tradition is one of the few most meaningful facts of my life. Membership in the Sons of the American Revolution is a cherished symbol of those great things which must be preserved for the well-being of mankind. SAR constantly reminds me that the preservation of the blessings of freedom and Americanism must ever be my responsibility. Norman Vincent Peale 2014-15 Meetings and Events Jul 4, Lincoln Chapter NO MEETING Jul 8, NO Omaha Chapter Meeting, 6:00 pm Venice Inn Aug 1, Lincoln Chapter Aug 12, NO Omaha Chapter Meeting, 6:00 pm Venice Inn Sep 5, Lincoln Chapter Sep 9, Omaha Chapter Meeting, 6:00 pm Gorats Sep 21, Nebraska Society Meeting, 1:00 pm Lodge, Mahoney State Park Oct 3, Lincoln Chapter Oct 14, Omaha Chapter Meeting, 6:00 pm TBD Nov 7, Lincoln Chapter Nov 11, Omaha Chapter Meeting, 6:00 pm TBD PAGE 3 Dec 5, Lincoln Chapter Dec 9, Omaha Chapter Meeting, 6:00 pm TBD - Lincoln Chapter President Dr. James Hoke awarded the Bronze Distinguished Service Medal to Robert Chandler for his outstanding service as State and Chapter Flag Chairman 3
Page 4 HUSKER PATRIOT Issue 15 Members Corner We are looking for articles for our Newsletter about our members Patriots. Would you be willing to put together an article about your Patriot? It could be one or two pages long or even a paragraph. If you go up to four or five pages we could have a continuation into the next Quarter's Newsletter. These articles would then be available for all of our members to enjoy. If we can assist you in any way with putting something together just let us know. An article would be such a great way to pass down to our future generations what our Patriot did for our country. We re only an email away. We now have fifteen Newsletters published and distributed to our members. I would like to ask you to again take a good look at these Newsletters and let me know what you would like to see in future editions. We did receive several votes of confidence on the outline and direction the newsletter is moving, however, we do need more input from fellow compatriots in our chapter news and general submissions. Are there areas of interest that you would like included? How well are we meeting your needs? If you have any stories and/or pictures you take at any of our events that you can share, please contact the Newsletter Editor Bob Knott at chiefknott@aol.com or the Publisher Bill Webb at webb.w@q.com. This is your Newsletter and we want it to be as informative and interesting as we can make it. That s where you can help. MEET MY PATRIOTS My American Revolution Ancestors By Bob Chandler Captain James Means Of the several patriot ancestors from whom I have the privilege of being descended, I am most intrigued with my fourth Great Grand Uncle James Means because he is the only patriotic ancestor of mine to have fought the entire duration. His military service took him from Ticonderoga to Valley Forge and numerous venues inbetween. The Means family, a sept of the Menzies Clan, was one of numerous families which emigrated from Scotland in the 1600s to County Fermanagh, one of the six counties making up Northern Ireland. Later, in the early 1700s, some of these now Scotch Irish families immigrated initially to New England before scattering far and wide. My Means family arrived in America in 1718 and settled at Falmouth (near Portland), Cumberland County, Maine. James was born in 1753 a few miles away at Old Orchard in York County. He was the third of 12 children born to John Means and Eleanor Johnston. An older brother by a year or so, Robert, is my direct lineage, but there is no record that Robert saw military or provided patriotic service. I assume this was because he stayed neutral to keep the farm in the family should the war not have turned out as it did, this being a common practice at the time. James married Eleanor, surname unknown, about 1771, and later Mary ( Polly ) Cox with whom he had two boys and three girls, all born between 1779 and 1790. James, as a Private, marched with Captain Hart William s Company April 21st, 1775, in response to the alarm of April 19th. He served as a Corporal in Captain John Brackett s Company, Colonel Edmund Phinney s Regiment, and a Sergeant in Captain Hart s Company before being promoted to Ensign in 1776. Joining Colonel Ebenezer Sprout s Regiment January 1st, 1777, he was promoted to Lieutenant and then to Captain. He commanded a Company in Colonel Samuel Brewer s Regiment which deployed to Ticonderoga in February 1777. While camped near Valley Forge in January 1778, he was a 2nd Lieutenant in Captain Silas Burbank s Company of Colonel Samuel Brewer s Regiment. In December 1779, he was assigned as a Captain in the 12th Massachusetts Regiment commanded by Major Tobias Fernald. He ended the war as Captain of the 7th Company, 2nd Massachusetts Regiment, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Ebenezer Sprout. Despite the continual reorganization of several units to which James was assigned and the interchanging of commanding officers, he primarily served in two Continental Line Regiments: the 2nd and 12th Massachusetts. The former was engaged at Bunker Hill, Saratoga and Monmouth. The latter was engaged at Bunker Hill, Trenton, Princeton, Saratoga and Monmouth. After the war, James returned to Westbrook (near Portland), Maine, where he prospered well business-wise, built a very large house, entertained lavishly and enjoyed much popularity. One famous guest was former Major General Lafayette who visited for the second time in 1824 and who was entertained by one of James daughters who sang for him. James received a Bounty Land Warrant for his military service and in 1819 applied for a Soldier s Pension. Having been a Continental Line officer, James became an Original Member of the Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati and maintained that membership from 1783 to 1832. Because of no direct male lineage, or interested collateral male lineage, it became my distinct honor and privilege to Cont d on Page 5, Col 1 4
Issue 15 HUSKER PATRIOT Page 5 Cont d from Page 3: represent him in that Society. Captain James Means died 15 October 1832, aged about 79 and interred in the Old Stroudwater Cemetery, Westbrook. His headstone has been vandalized, was cracked and tilting significantly with the inscription fast fading away. This is hardly befitting a true American Revolutionary War Patriot. Guerilla/Irregular Warfare during the American Revolution Presented by Ray Harris The battle of Lexington and Concord was a text book example of what civilian irregulars could do against a military organization. When General Lee advocated this type of warfare, General Washington vetoed it. General W a s h - i n g t o n f o u n d the irregu l a r s l a c k e d d i s c i - pline and o r d e r. He wanted to have a disciplined army which would get recognition for the American Revolution, for example France's role. The continental army became the mainstay while the irregulars conducted raids and ambushes which made it impossible for the British Army to supply itself. With the war in the North at a standstill, the war moved South. The irregulars played an important role. One of the more famous guerilla fighters was Marion - the Swamp Fox. He would stage raids while carefully avoiding battle with a superior force. This type of warfare with the Continental Army was able to force the British to Yorktown which lead to Cornwallis surrendering at Yorktown. England had the means to continue the fight but public opinion was growing against the war. Because of this the Colonies won their independence. New officers for Lincoln Chapter 2014 2016 New officers for the Lincoln Chapter were sworn in for the period 2014 2016 by outgoing President, Chaplain James Hoke. Shown above are Robert Chandler, Vice President; LaVerne Stetson, Secretary/Treasurer; Past President Chap. James Hoke and Chapter President Shawn Stoner. - Cont d from Page 1, Pres. Corner Legion. Become familiar with their activities and, when invited, seek ways to promote a higher SAR profile, in support of their activities. Also, as our membership committee can attest, we are ever challenged by the need to bring both new and old public records to bear on the application process in pursuit of new members. I encourage you to become familiar with the process so you can act in a helper capacity. After referencing the NSSAR guidance on the subject, our State Registrar and State Secretary can coach you with the finer points. But more than just expanding programs and adding new members, I encourage you to read books, to do research, and watch educational programs that recall the American Revolutionary War period in history. For myself, I happen to know that the spark to Miss Liberty s flame cannot be quenched as is demonstrated daily in troubled spots around the globe. It is the Spirit of 76 that informs us, unites us, and binds us together. In this context, I first ask for your prayers, next for your consent, and lastly for your continuing support, because I know that the generations that follow will need our counsel. John Reinert THE BADGE OF MILITARY MERIT The Badge of Military Merit, the oldest American military decoration, was established by George Washington in 1782. Washington s Badge of Military Merit was referred to as the Purple Heart and was awarded for military merit. It is thought that the name comes from a wood called purple heart, which is a smooth-grained plum colored wood used with firearms and artillery. The wood was considered the best in the world for making gun carriages and mortar beds because it could withstand extreme stress. This badge issued for any singularly meritorious action. It was the figure of a heart in purple cloth or silk, edged with narrow lace or binding. It was embroidered with a wreath surrounding the word merit and was designed by Pierre Charles L'Enfant in accordance with Washington s personal instructions. This device, the Badge of Military Merit, was affixed to the uniform coat above the left breast and permitted its wearer to pass guards and sentinels without challenge and to have his name and regiment inscribed in a Book of Merit. The Badge specifically honored the lower ranks where decorations were unknown in contemporary European armies. As Washington intended, The road to glory in a patriot army is thus open to all. In today s military the Purple Heart is a purple heart shaped Medal suspended from a purple ribbon with white boarders and given to all ranks for wounds sustained in combat operations. Chap(Col) James Hoke, USA (Ret) My SAR membership reminds me that the meaning of our Revolution continues to have the power to shake the world that its message of opportunity and equality is one of hope for all mankind Angier Biddle Duke, Ambassador to Denmark. 5
HUSKER PATRIOTS Issue 15 Page 6 PHOTOS TAKEN DURING THE AMERICAN HERITAGE DINNER IN LINCOLN, NEBRASKA From upper left: Sharon Fitz; Judith Moore; (Bob Chandler s grand-daughter); Sharon Ann Louden and Ann Reinert. Shown are Robert Knott; Shawn Stoner, Chap. James Hoke and Thomas Masters. Shown above are Moss Ellis; Sharon Fitts and Dr. Steve Fitts looking at the Civil War memorabilia. Left:Moss Ellis SCF and S t e v e B a u ermeister from the SUVCW At left is a photo representing t a b l e setting for our P O W / MIA serv i c e m e m bers. Thomas Masters, Ann Reinert and Judith Moore of the Nebraska Huguenot Society. Left: Chaplain (Co l.) Re t d, James Hoke, President of the Lincoln Chapter is shown at the podium. Chaplain Hoke was Master of Ceremonies for the American Heritage Dinner held in Lincoln, Nebraska. The photo at left depicts Incoming State Society President John Reinert from the Lincoln Chapter and Outgoing State Society President Fred Walden from the Omaha Chapter reminiscing about the last two years within the Nebraska State Society. 6
Issue 15 HUSKER PATRIOTS Page 7 PHOTOS TAKEN DURING THE AMERICAN HERITAGE DINNER IN LINCOLN, NEBRASKA The above photo is of Sharon Ann Louden, LeRoy Louden, Nebraska Secretary of State John Gale and his wife. The highlight of the evening was a wonderful program given by Mary Bede, former Lincoln School Teacher and reenactor. Mary portrayed Clara Barton who was the founder of the American Red Cross. From left: Robert Chandler, VP, Lincoln Chapter, Daughter-in-Law, Lisa A. Chandler, Bob s wife Lillian Chandler, Granddaughter, katelyn D. Chandler and Bob s son, Major Vernon A. Chandler, NE Army Nat. Guard. Katelyn Chandler, CAR, receiving a Certificate of Appreciation. The gang of five. Compatriots Bob Chandler, Fred Walden, Shawn Stoner, Bob Knott, Tom Masters Greg Holloway, from Disabled American Veterans receiving Cert. of Apprec. J u d i Frohm, Daughters of U n i o n Veterans of the Civil War 1861 1 8 6 5. She is past National President and current President of Betsy Ross Tent #1. Merle Rudebusch presenting the history of our flags The Gale a n d Reinert families on the left and VFW and American Legion reps on the right. 7
Issue 15 HUSKER PATRIOT Page 8 MORE PICTURES AND STORIES ROTC & JROTC AWARDS The following Cadets received recognition for their high degree of merit with respect to leadership qualities, military bearing and general excellence. They were presented the Sons of the American Revolution ROTC/JROTC Medal with Certificate. Mario Ortiz-Benson HS James Schnitzer-Bellevue East HS Alex May-Bellevue West HS Juan Camacho-Bryan HS Jared Polack-Burke HS Matt Greco-Central HS Jamei Pinkney-North HS Bailey Hazel-Northwest HS Mark Toledo-Omaha South HS Cole P Smith-Papillion-LaVista South Sabrina Johnson-Plattsmouth, HS Branden Claus-Northeast High A SPECIAL THANKS to all those Compatriots who presented during the ROTC and JROTC Awards ceremony at the various schools: Dr. David Kentsmith, M.D. Frederick Walden John Parsons Robert Knott William Webb Thomas Conley Richard Ewing Richard Galusha Gary Gray Shawn Stoner - Should any Nebraska member have an address, telephone or email update please notify the State Secretary David K. K e n t s m i t h, M D, a t K-NESAR@q.com. RECOGNIZING PAST PRESIDENTS The Omaha Chapter, at their March 2014 Meeting at the Venice Inn had the privilege of honoring their five past Chapter Presidents. From left: Current President Thomas Conley; immediate past President William Webb; 2nd past President Dr. David Kentsmith, M.D.; 3rd past President Frederick Walden; 4th past President Robert Knott and 5th past President John Parsons. There was much reminiscing about some of the changes that have taken place over the years such as building our membership and helping develop the N e b r a s k a S o c i e t y M e d a l. - Benefit the SAR and Buy from A m a z o n. C o m Some may not know that The National Society Sons of the American Revolution is an Amazon Associate, a partnership that will produce revenue for the NSSAR general fund. The way it works is: Visit the National website at www.sar.org. Click on the login button where you can log in with your ID and password. Click on the Compatriots tab, and scroll down to the Member Services tab and click on it. That s where you will find the logo for Amazon.com. Follow the instructions found there to shop and place your online order. Anything you purchase from Amazon.com through the NSSAR website will result in a percentage of the sale being sent to NSSAR where it will be assigned to the general fund. Lets all try to give our support to the SAR. Bob Knott, Editor, Husker Patriot NEBRASKA SOCIETY OFFICERS 2014-2015 President: John Reinert, Lincoln 1st Vice President: Dr. David Kentsmith, M.D., Omaha 2nd Vice President: Dr. James Hoke, Lincoln Secretary: Dr. David Kentsmith, M.D., Omaha Treasurer: William Webb, Omaha Registrar: Thomas Masters, Lincoln Deputy Registrar: Robert Knott, Omaha Trustee: John Parsons, Omaha Alt. Trustee: Dr. David Kentsmith, MD., Omaha BOARD OF COUNSELORS 2014-2015 Chairman: John Reinert, Lincoln 1st Vice President: Dr. David Kentsmith, M.D., Omaha 2nd Vice President: Dr. James Hoke, Lincoln Secretary: Dr. David Kentsmith, M.D., Omaha Treasurer: William Webb, Omaha Registrar: Thomas Masters, Lincoln Deputy Registrar: Robert Knott, Omaha Chap. President: Thomas Conley, Omaha Chap. Vice President: Richard Ewing, Omaha Chap. Vice President: Robert Chandler, Lincoln Chap. President: Shawn Stoner, Lincoln Chap. Secretary: LaVerne Stetson, Lincoln Past State President: Merle Rudebusch, Lincoln Past State President: John Parsons, Omaha Don W. Miltner, Sr. 1927-2014 We are all saddened by the loss of Compatriot Miltner who passed away April 8, 2014. Don was a member of the SAR since October 1974 and was Past President of the Lincoln Chapter and Past State President and Chaplain of the State Society. Don was also awarded the SAR War Service Medal Certificate. Don was a retired VP claims crop hail manager, Nebraska Farm Bureau Insurance Company. He served the insurance industry for 41 years. Don served our country in the Armed Forces and was a graduate from Nebraska Wesleyan University. 8